Premier New Zealand triathlete Cameron Brown is chasing redemption in Sunday's (NZ time) Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii.
Brown, who had finished on the podium three years in succession, by his own admission let himself down with a 26th last year.
Brown, 33, known for his tough attitude and
clear thinking, let the situation and the searing Hawaii heat get to him.
"I had a terrible race in every way. And I let it get to me. I let myself, my family and my friends down. This year has been all about redemption for me," Brown said.
"This is a damn hard sport, and sometimes out on those six-hour bike rides or three-hour runs it gets tough. In those times I just thought about last year, and it has really motivated me."
The 29th running of the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km marathon event starts at 6am Sunday (NZ time).
Brown has been working with new bike coach Brendon Cameron, the former Olympian and coach of Olympic and world track champion Sarah Ulmer.
"I've changed my riding position and changed the training. I've increased my power by 20 watts in seven months, which is great. That should mean I am much stronger."
In Ironman Germany in July, Brown trailed world champion and renowned cyclist Normann Stadler by 15 minutes after the cycle leg and was unable to rein him in, eventually finishing second.
The leaders will be waiting for the German Stadler to explode past on the bike .
"Last year I got caught at the 60km mark. If I can hold them off until 130 or 140km then I can definitely limit the losses and be in contention for the run.
"I've had some great races here but never the perfect day. It has to be your day, and if it is then I believe I can win."
There are five New Zealanders in the pro men's field, including brothers Stephen and Brent Sheldrake from Gisborne, Auckland's Brent Foster and Christchurch's John Newsom.
Brent Sheldrake has returned four years after being diagnosed with cancer.
Others in the hunt for success on Sunday include two-time winners Peter Reid from Canada and American Tim DeBoom.
Stadler leads the powerful German pack that includes last year's third-place finisher Faris Al Sultan and fourth-placed Alex Taubert.
- NZPA
